LOUISBOURG, N.S. — Experts have determined that a coyote believed to be involved in a shocking attack on a young hiker on a Cape Breton trail was neither diseased nor hungry.

Parks Canada staff tracked and destroyed a coyote last Tuesday, hours after Taylor Mitchell, a folksinger from Toronto, was mauled by two of the animals in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The 19-year-old later died in a Halifax hospital.

The federal agency said the Atlantic Veterinary Centre has done tests on the coyote and preliminary results suggest it was involved in the attack on the Skyline Trail, which remained closed Monday.

“There’s no evidence of rabies or other disease or any other physical element of the animal that might have led to this attack,” said Chip Bird, a field unit superintendent with Parks Canada in Cape Breton.

Bird said the coyote was a 14-kilogram adult female in “really healthy shape.” There was also evidence that the coyote had food in its system.

Barred MP hopes to testify in case

TORONTO — A controversial British MP denied entry into Canada on the grounds he supported a terrorist group welcomed a court decision to hear his case, saying Monday he would like to testify in person.

In a statement from London, George Galloway called the decision by the Federal Court to review the ban a “substantial” win.

“I’m really pleased that the first step in the eventual victory has been achieved,” he said.

Galloway was to make a four-city speaking tour in March but was denied entry to Canada. The case sparked an uproar about freedom of speech.

At the time, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said, “I believe folks that are supporting and promoting and helping terrorist organizations are not needed to visit Canada.”

The outspoken MP strenuously denied supporting terrorism. He argued he supported the people of Gaza and could only do that through dealing with its elected Hamas government, which Canada considers a terrorist organization.